Most appraisals will be completed within 1-2 business days following the property inspection.  The property inspection is necessary for most appraisal assignments and takes approximately ½ hour to complete.  This involves the appraiser going through the property, taking notes, photos, and all measurements of improvements.  This is generally the 1^st step in the appraisal process.

  Below are some suggestions for a property inspection:

• Accessibility: Make sure that all areas of the home are accessible, especially to the attic and crawl space. 

• Housekeeping: The appraiser will most likely photograph your home during the inspection for the appraisal report, so clearing the clutter and moving anything that may hinder the the appraiser from walking around freely would greatly help.  The cleaniness of a home (dirty shirts, pants, dishes, etc.) doesn't necessarily matter, as the appraiser is looking beneath all of that; however, sometimes the cleaner the home can help an appraisers opinion on the condition.  

• Maintenance: Repair minor things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim.

• Make sure all utilities are on at the property to be inspected.  

• Make sure pets are contained. Any dogs or cats which may appear aggressive will most likely hinder the inspector from moving freely about the property.  Also, the appraiser will not be responsible for pets which may try to escape from inside the dwelling.  

• Provide the appraiser with any related information that may affect the property inspection.

• If you are going through the FHA (HUD) loan program a common problem that comes across during the inspection is flaking or chipping paint.  This could indicate lead based paint.  It is required that all such paint is stripped and repainted before the loan can proceed.